Papayas (Carica papaya) excel in low-elevation areas with full sunlight, good drainage and minimal wind stress. Papayas can be grown directly from seeds or transplanted in soils with pH levels of 5.5 to 6.5.

Hawai'i papaya varieties are often referred to as solo, as one person alone can usually consume the entire fruit. Sunset, Sunrise, Kapoho and Waimanalo are the traditional papaya varieties in Hawai'i's backyard gardens. Seeds are available at local garden shops.

UH SunUp and UH Rainbow are genetically modified papayas resistant to the papaya ringspot virus. Seeds for the genetically modified papayas are available to homeowners upon completion of an educational program conducted by the UH Cooperative Extension Service.

There are three types of papaya plants: female, male and hermaphrodites. Female plants produce a round fruit and require male pollen for successful pollination. Male trees are uncommon, but sometimes occur when homeowners collect their own seeds. Hermaphrodite trees (flowers with male and female parts) are the commercial standard which produces a pear shaped fruit. These plants are self-pollinated.

Plants should be spaced 6 to 7 feet apart. To produce a hermaphrodite tree, plant a minimum of three plants per hole. Plants can be thinned to ensure a hermaphrodite plant.

Trees will begin to bear fruit approximately 10 to 12 months after planting.

Add a handful of treble superphosphate (0-45-0) fertilizer along with a generous amount of decomposed organic compost to the planting hole. Apply a complete fertilizer such as 16-16-16 at the rate of 1/10 of a pound per tree each month until flowering. After flowering, apply 10-5-20 or 10-20-20 fertilizer monthly around the drip-line area.

Papaya ringspot virus, anthracnose, powdery mildew, black spot and phythophthora are major diseases of papayas. Mites, mealy bugs, Stevens leaf hopper, and fruitflies are common insect pests. Consult the UH extension service for the latest pest-control techniques.

Papayas typically are harvested when they begin to color. Special care should be taken to minimize bruising.

Papayas are rich in vitamins A and C, folic acid, antioxidants and potassium, and the flesh serves as an excellent natural tenderizer. Skip the apple today and have a few locally grown papayas instead. Buy local. Buy Island fresh.